Need a meal, shovel, generator? Local businesses standing ready

John Lauro was scheduled at 5 a.m. Friday to help open The Home Depot at Orange Plaza in the Town of Wallkill. One problem: His front and back doors were blocked by 2 feet of snow.

Timothy Malcolm

John Lauro was scheduled at 5 a.m. Friday to help open The Home Depot at Orange Plaza in the Town of Wallkill. One problem: His front and back doors were blocked by 2 feet of snow.

So Lauro, who doesn't drive, climbed out his window and began the 3½-mile walk to work. He arrived; nobody was there; he walked home. He called work until he reached a co-worker, then walked back to work — and for good reason: A powerless Hudson Valley needed Lauro and his co-workers.

"It's a lot busier than I thought," said the Middletown resident, noting that his Home Depot saw an influx of visitors looking for generators, snow shovels and salt. "Fortunately on a day like today, nobody is here to return a light bulb or switch plate."

With power out throughout much of the region Friday, hardware stores were an essential stop for many. Monticello Home Depot manager Nolberco Hernandez said his customers sought generators, and his crew was making a trip to another store to stock up.

At the Lowe's in the Town of Wallkill, Joanie Cichon of the hamlet of Wallkill nabbed the last generator by calling ahead in the morning. Employee Edna Post said an emergency shipment might be on the way.

The power outages also made food a high priority Friday. Cosmo's Pizza in Highland readied an extra delivery worker for the unusual circumstance.

"With people having no power and the snow, it really creates demand, and the phones are ringing," said owner Kevin Brennie, who said a need for profit and the fact that it was Friday fueled his decision to open.

Louie Testino, owner of Pronto Pizza in Warwick, didn't want to take chances with delivery but said his business was steady.

Meanwhile, Orange and Rockland Utilities employees and road crews kept the Monroe Diner running at full steam. Hit with an influx of unique customers, Monroe Diner owner Alex Lagakos drove through the storm to pick up employees. Town of Newburgh residents with no power in their homes traveled to the Stewart Airport Diner for food, while the McDonald's near the Newburgh Mall served customers only at the drive-through because of computer issues. The McDonald's on Dolson Avenue in Middletown? Swamped.

Local hospitals prepared early for the storm. Catskill Regional Medical Center enlisted some staff members to stay overnight, according to Rolland Bojo, clinical director for programming and nursing services.

Stuart Hersch, administrative director for emergency services at Benedictine Hospital in Kingston, said his hospital saw no storm-related emergencies and was dealing with the storm effectively.

Back in Orange County, the O&R crews also fueled the hospitality industry. On-call linemen stayed at the Holiday Inn at Crystal Run Thursday night.

"We've had a little bit of everything," said the hotel's general manager, Robin Nehus. "We sold out last night. We have 101 rooms and for a Thursday night in February, we're probably talking a good night would be 50-55 rooms."

Nehus was one of eight hotel employees who stayed overnight. "I'm hoping to go home tonight," she said. "Let's just put it that way."